Alex Stowell here! A Most Excellent Evening!
Have you ever thought that if more emphasis was placed on kids being diligent students that it would benefit society as a whole? Are you one of the like minded folks that think academic excellence should be rewarded?
You are not alone. VHS, in partnership with some very staunch community supporters, has been doing this for close to four decades! On Jan. 27, 2018 the Venice High School Alumni Association and Venice Chamber of Commerce joined Venice High School in recognizing the success of Venice High School’s Top Scholars at the 35th Annual Jacket of Excellence Award.
Here is a word from Ecole Clarie Fontaine, and Venice Chamber’s Education Chair, Joelle Dumas.
“I am honored to be an element in continuing the 35-year tradition of recognizing VHS alumni and current student accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. It is moving to again see young people playing a central role in our community as this inspirational celebration brings us all together. Worn as a source of pride for years to come, each remarkable student receives a school jacket emblazoned with the meaningful distinction of excellence. ”
And a word from Jamie Simon-Meyer, who is an event organizer and a college counselor at Venice High School.
Over the past 34 years Venice High School has recognized seniors through the Jackets of Excellence (JOE) program. This, the 35th year, was no different for the 57 senior honorees that met the expectations set by the JOE committee. These students met a minimum GPA requirement of a 3.75, had strong attendance, and have been enrolled at Venice at least three of their four years of high school. Among this year’s senior honorees were Associated Student Body members, varsity athletes, and members of our senior service society, and participants in many more clubs and organizations on campus.
Nearly two hundred family members, teachers, district members, LAUSD board members, and community sponsors came to the luncheon to celebrate these outstanding students. We wish the Jacket of Excellence honorees the best of luck in their future academic endeavors.
JARED APILLANES
TATIANA BOK
PENELOPE BOUTRY
KYLIE BROWN
PEDRO CELIS
NOELLE CHO
COLIN CHUN
CLAIRE COMBREDET
AARON CRUZ
ABRIL CUARENTA
QIANHUI FANG
MONET GARRETT
MYA GATES
BRIANNA GROLD
YUKI ITO
LYNDA JAUREGUI
SHREYA KAPPAL
RYAN KENT
REESE KOMESU
KYLA LAING
JANNETH LOPEZ
REBECCA LOPEZ
ANDREW MARROQUIN
MAX MELIKA
KATHERINE MIYA
ANGELICA MORALES
JAKE NUESCA
CHINOMSO NWIWU
NNAEMEKA NWIWU
RYAN OHKAWAHIRA
LUKAS OLESINSKI
SANG DAE PARK
ARELY PINEDA
MAKSYM PROKOPOVYCH-SHCHEPETKIN
JANET REYES-GARCIA
JOSEPHINE ROBERTS
BRYCE RODRIGUEZ
LINDA RODRIGUEZ
TENZING SHERPA
HARJEET SINGH
MARY SOLIMAN
MATISSE SOWARDS
STEVEN STEINER
KANA SUZUKI
RAY TANAKA
ERIK VELASCO
HELINA YIRGU
SAMUEL YOSHIOKA
JASMINE ZETTELL
ERNESTRO MEDINA
About: Since 1984, Venice High School along with community partners, hosts an annual luncheon where the top students of the senior class are recognized for their scholastic achievements with each one awarded a personalized academic jacket for their accomplishments.
The Venice Chamber of Commerce and the Venice High School Alumni Association enthusiastically support continuing this tradition of honoring excellence in education and we reach out to the community to help us raise money for the jackets.
We invite you to sponsor one or more jackets next year, or support this event by making a donation. Sponsors receive recognition in event materials and also have the opportunity to attend the luncheon where they can meet the students.
Top photo by: CFP Studio
